Page 85 of Stolen Rebel

“Not your fault.” I press the key fob, and the indicators flash once, the mirrors whirring as they slot into place.

“Um, boss?”

Irritated, I glance over my shoulder. “What?”

“I hope I didn’t overstep, but…” He grimaces. “When you called me back here, I kind of asked Jeff to take over.”

I blink, jaw slack. “You…” I walk over to him and clap both hands on his arms. “Fucking brilliant. Thank you.”

I jump in the car and call Jeff. “You on her?”

“Yes, Boss. It looks like she’s following someone.”

I grind my teeth. “Has she made you?”

“No, Boss.”

“Send me your live location and stay with her. I’m on my way.”

I hang up. His location comes through to my phone. Dongally Road, five miles from here. I set off, flooring the accelerator as soon as I’m on open road. I’ve driven about three miles when Jeff calls.

“The car she’s tracking is at the Celtic Cross pub. She drove past. I pulled in. She’s probably going to circle back around.”

“Stay on the line. Let me know if she does.”

He goes silent, then. “Yep. Here she is.”

“And the driver of the car?”

“He’s gone inside.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. At least he won’t see her driving into the car park. “Thanks, Jeff. I’ll be there shortly. When I get there, you can take off.”

I arrive a few minutes later. Sorcha’s Saab is parked, but there’s no sign of Rowan. I make eye contact with Jeff and hook my thumb over my shoulder. He acknowledges me and drives off.

If Rowan has gone inside the pub where Murray is, I will spank her so hard, she won’t be able to sit down for a fucking week.

I get out of the car, lock it, and make my way around the side of the building. I clock her peering through a window, hand shielding her eyes. This fucking woman.

“Rebel.”

She jerks like she’s been shot. “Jesus Christ, Liam.” Her eyes cool by several degrees. “How did you find me?”

“That’s what you want to talk about? Now? Here? What the fuck are you doing, Rowan?”

Her lips thin. “Following the bastard who ruined my life.”

“To what end? What do you think you’re going to discover hanging around outside a pub?”

“I don’t know. But I couldn’t just let him walk out without me following him. I’m sick of waiting. I’m sick of being controlled.”

Spoken like a true Mahoney. She isn’t one, but she’s got all the grit and backbone that befits my family name. Then again, she always did. Before that fucker stole her from me. “We’re gathering intel. For fuck’s sake, let me deal with it.”

She squares her shoulders and drills me with her eyes. “I don’t need you to save me. I need you to stand beside me.”

Well, fuck. I run a hand down my face. “I am standing beside you. What if he saw you, huh? What if he took you from me again?” My voice cracks, fear throttling me. I look away. Fucking hate showing weakness.

“Hey.” Her knuckle brushes underneath my chin. “Look at me.”